Arthritis is a term that includes a group of disorders that affect your joints and muscles. Arthritis symptoms include joint pain, inflammation and limited movement of joints. When a joint is inflamed it may be swollen, tender, warm to the touch or red. Surrounding each joint is a protective capsule holding a lubricating fluid to aid in motion. Cartilage, a slippery smooth substance, covers most joints to assure an even, fluid motion of the joint. With joint arthritis, the cartilage may be damaged, narrowed and lost by a degenerative process or by inflammation making movement painful.

Causes of Arthritis

Following are the major arthritis causes:

1.Hereditary factors

2.Over weight

3.Physical stress on joints

4.Aging and hormonal changes in the body

5.Metabolic and nervous tissue problems

6.Old physical damage caused due to accident or fracture

7.Improper dietary habits

8.Less or over use of joints

9.Improper postural habits

10.Exposed to cold conditions and environment

Symptoms of Arthritis

Following are the major arthritis symptoms:

1.Continuous joint pains while walking or cycling

2.Swelling and stiffness in affected area

3.Redness of joint

4.Joint movement is restricted

5.Joint pain in morning

6.Long fever

7.Popping joints

8.Inflammation on affected area

Do's and Don't for Arthritis

Following are some of the simple tips to prevent arthritis:

1.Take diet rich in proteins, minerals, vitamins

2.Drink water in copper glasses

3.Avoid junk foods

4.Eat fibrous fruits, green vegetables, raw vegetable juices and sprouts

5.Ginger juice is also very effective in arthritis pain relief

6.Drink raw potato juice. It is an effective natural way to get relief from pain

7.Maintain a proper balance between your work and rest

8.Include fish in your diet as it contains omega-3 fatty acids which are beneficial for arthritis patients

9.Do regular physical activities without stressing out the body

10.Avoid excess use of stairs

11.Avoid improper postural habits

Home Remedies for Arthritis

Following are some of the effective home remedies for arthritis:

1.Prepare garlic paste and apply it on the affected area. It is an effective home remedy for arthritis

2.Eat 2-3 garlic slices to get relief from joint pains

3.Mix 1 teaspoon honey and 2 teaspoon of lemon juice in warm water and drink it every morning. It is an effective home remedy for arthritis pain

4.Add 2 teaspoon of honey and 2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in warm water and drink this mixture each day in the morning.

5.Drink warm water containing 1 teaspoon of turmeric every day. It will relieve arthritis pain.

6.Alfalfa tea is another effective home remedy for arthritis

7.Rub sandalwood paste or hot vinegar on affected area. It will help in getting relief from joint pain

8.Eat coconut and walnut. It will make your bones stronger

9.Eat fruits rich in Vitamin C as it is an effective natural cure for rheumatoid arthritis

10.Take a cup of papaya seed tea 6-7 times daily for two or three weeks. It will give relief from joint pains

11.Avoid sugar, white flour, macaroni, pie, cake, and sweet drinks from diet.

Herbal Remedies for Arthritis

Following are some of the effective herbal remedies for arthritis:

1.Boswellia serrata also known as shallaki improves blood circulation and relieves joint pain and swelling

2.Take 5 grams of Ashwagandha powder twice a day with lukewarm water

3.Guduchi juice is also beneficial in relieving joint pain

4.Take bath with Epsom salt warm water. It will relieve joint pains, strengthen bones, and improves blood circulations

5.Some common herbs used in arthritis are Saunth (dried ginger), guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), rasna, errand (ricinus communis), shallaki (boswellia serrata) and guggulu (commiphora mukul)